Bill Belichick Rumors: Commanders Not Expected to Pursue HC After Patriots Split

At least one team thought to be a potential landing spot for Bill Belichick is reportedly not expected to hire him this offseason.

According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, sources do not anticipate that the Washington Commanders will pursue Belichick following the firing of head coach Ron Rivera.

Belichick, who won six Super Bowls as head coach of the New England Patriots and is a surefire Hall of Famer, agreed to part ways with the franchise Thursday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Despite Belichick's status as arguably the greatest coach in NFL history, ESPN's John Keim and JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan also reported that the Commanders are not likely to court him.

Given that Josh Harris is a new owner set to make his first hire at head coach, the expectation is that he may want to make a splash. Nothing would be splashier than hiring Belichick, but it looks like Harris is more inclined to pursue other big names.

Aside from Belichick, the most buzz-worthy coach available may be Jim Harbaugh, although it isn't yet known for certain if Harbaugh intends to leave the University of Michigan for the NFL after winning a national championship on Monday.

The Commanders are a franchise that has struggled mightily in recent years, as they have missed the playoffs in three straight seasons and seven of the past eight years. They also haven't won a playoff game since the 2005 campaign.

Washington was one of the NFL's worst teams this season with a 4-13 record, but one thing the Commanders have going for them is the potential opportunity to draft a franchise quarterback.

The Commanders own the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, meaning that even if they stay put rather than moving up to No. 1, they can secure USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye or LSU's Jayden Daniels.

That is something that should be attractive to prospective head coaching candidates, and it could result in several of the best coaches available having an interest in the Washington job.

As for Belichick, signs point toward the 71-year-old veteran attempting to continue his coaching career elsewhere after a remarkable run in New England.

The past few years haven't been great, as the Patriots missed the playoffs in three of four seasons since quarterback Tom Brady's departure, but it doesn't change the fact that Belichick won six Super Bowls and 17 AFC East titles with the Pats.

It isn't yet clear which teams will show interest in Belichick, but Schefter named the Atlanta Falcons as an organization that could have interest.

Belichick would have a tough quarterback situation to navigate after Desmond Ridder's struggles this season, but he would inherit a strong group of skill players led by running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.

With Washington seemingly not in the mix, other openings for Belichick to consider include the Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers.